Sacred Sansthan Ganapati Mandir Rajabazar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, t. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The Sansthan Ganpati at Rajabazar in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city is the presiding deity (Gramadaivat) of this city. Devotees believe that the idol of Lord Ganesha in this temple, which has witnessed many political and social transitions in the city, is self-manifested (Swayambhu) and that the Lord here grants the wishes of the faithful. Every festival and public event of importance in the city begins with the worship of this Ganpati. Furthermore, before filing their nomination papers, candidates for any election visit this temple for blessings.

Khadkeshwar, Karnapura Devi, and Sansthan Ganpati are the presiding deities of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city. The self-manifested black stone idol of Ganesha at Rajabazar, one of these deities, was discovered under a Peepal tree here about 350 years ago. It is said that this idol dates back to the ninth or tenth century. A small temple was built at the site where the idol was found, and it was consecrated there. Under the initiative of Dadasaheb Ganorkar, the city’s first public Ganeshotsav was started here in 1930. Since then, this Ganesha has held a place of honor here. This temple holds the first right of honor during Ganeshotsav. Among the city’s public mandals, the Prana-pratishtha and Maha-arati of this Ganpati are performed first. Only then does the public Ganeshotsav of the city commence. The immersion procession on Anant Chaturdashi also begins from here. This tradition has been preserved for many years.

It is said that around 1910, when the case regarding the adoption of Tai Maharaj was being heard in the Aurangabad court, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak used to visit Aurangabad as a lawyer. At that time, he would first visit this Ganesha before proceeding to the court for the case proceedings. In 1988, when the first election for the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation was announced, Shiv Sena Chief Balasaheb Thackeray, who had come to the city for the candidates’ campaign, visited this Ganesha before attending a public meeting. He had made a vow that if his party came to power in the Municipal Corporation, he would offer a golden crown. After winning the majority in that election, the Shiv Sena Chief came personally and offered a golden crown weighing about 23 tolas to this Ganesha, fulfilling his vow. Prior to that, a large procession was taken out from Kranti Chowk to the Ganpati temple in the city.

After the temple trust was established in 1960, the first renovation of this temple, which initially had wooden construction, took place. Previously, there was no space for circumambulation (Pradakshina) around the temple. Against this backdrop, during the second renovation in 1985, it was transformed into a 350 square feet marble temple. Over many years, the original shape of the idol changed due to the application of vermilion (Shendur) during worship. Layers of vermilion kept accumulating on the idol. In view of this, in 2021, the old layers of vermilion were removed, and the idol was coated with Vajralepan.

Located in the central part of Rajabazar, this east-facing marble temple consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Sabha Mandap here is in the form of an Ardha Mandap. The pillars in the Sabha Mandap feature distinctive carvings. After entering through the ornate marble main gate of the temple, one sees a marble idol of Shri Dattatreya on the right side. Kalash motifs are carved on the upper parts of the lintels above the entrances to the Sabha Mandap and the Garbhagriha. In the Garbhagriha, the idol of Ganpati is seated on a high marble pedestal within a silver-plated arch (Makhar). This idol is in a seated position, one and three-quarter feet tall, smeared with vermilion, and has its trunk turned to the left. This original idol of Ganesha is made of black stone. This form is similar to the Shri Chintamani Ganesha of the Ashtavinayak. The crown, ears, eyes, and teeth of the Ganpati are made of silver. The temple has two spires (Shikhar), one over the Sabha Mandap and one over the Garbhagriha. These spires also feature intricate carvings.

During Ganeshotsav, moving tableaux are often displayed here. Every morning, Atharvashirsha Sahastravartan recitation and in the afternoon, food distribution (Bhandara) are organized. Thousands of devotees benefit from this Bhandara, which has a tradition of about 65 years. Donors for the Bhandara have already been decided for many years to come. There is a long waiting list for new donors. Festivals are celebrated here from Bhadrapad Chaturthi to Chaturdashi and on Maghi Jayanti. During this time, the areas of Rajabazar, Kirana Chavadi, Shahaganj, and Jadhavmandi are filled with devotees. A Deepotsav is also held here during Ganeshotsav, at which time the premises are illuminated by thousands of lamps. Previously, Plaster of Paris idols were consecrated during the Ganeshotsav here. For the past few years, eco-friendly Ganesha idols have been consecrated. A few years ago, an idol made of alum was also consecrated here.

The Holi at Sansthan Mandir Chowk is also known as the ‘Mana chi Holi’ (Holi of honor). This Holi has a tradition of more than 150 years. Wood and cow dung cakes are arranged on all four sides of the castor plant brought for the Holi. Rangoli is drawn around it. The District Collector, Police Commissioner, as well as MLAs, MPs, and other leaders of various political parties attend the Maha-arati held before the Holika Dahan in the evening.

Various social and religious activities are carried out by the temple’s Board of Trustees. Financial assistance is provided to the needy and patients from economically weaker families. A dispensary is run at a nominal cost. Health and blood donation camps are also organized. Additionally, meritorious students, teachers, and freedom fighters are honored. During droughts, fodder is also distributed at fodder camps. As the temple space is insufficient, the Board of Trustees has purchased 1900 square feet of surrounding land. The board is also making efforts to purchase more land. If that land is acquired, the board intends to build a two-story temple there.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery